We Finally Know What Happened To Kate Middleton (& We Were So Wrong)

Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego Kate Middleton? The Princess of Wales caused quite a frenzy when it was revealed that she had undergone a seemingly mysterious surgery and would be out of commission for quite some time. On March 22, the princess herself finally set the record straight about her wellbeing, announcing in a video released to Instagram that she had been diagnosed with cancer.

The answer came after weeks of increasingly intense speculation. On January 17, Kensington Palace released a statement explaining that Kate had undergone a "planned abdominal surgery." While the palace was highly ambiguous as to the specific reason for the procedure, they were careful to note that the unnamed surgery went well and explained under no uncertain terms that the Princess would indeed be MIA for a bit as she recovered. "Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter," the statement read.

Alas, following Kate's expected absence from the public eye, many resorted to coming up with their own theories to explain what happened to Kate and why she had suddenly departed from her public duties. Unfortunately, some of the rumors about Kate's health were wildly speculative and downright outlandish. Now, she's revealed exactly what's been going on.

In her video statement, Kate Middleton explained that she had been spending time with her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, as she and the family came to terms with her cancer diagnosis. "It has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte, and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be okay," she said.

She further elaborated that the surgery in January had been for a condition that was believed to be non-cancerous, but that tests following the procedure proved otherwise. "My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment," the princess revealed.

Kate also took the opportunity to thank her husband for his support. "This of course came as a huge shock," she said, "and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family."

Kate Middleton is understandably asking for privacy as she continues the treatment and healing process following her surgery and cancer diagnosis. However, the Princess of Wales presented a brave and reassuring front to the public in her announcement video, saying, "I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal in my mind, body, and spirits."

In the coming days, citizens and royal watchers will of course be asking what this announcement means for the state of the monarchy, especially as King Charles III continues undergoing treatment for his own cancer, announced in February. Kate used her announcement to make it clear that she remains committed to her eventual return to public duty, though exactly what that looks like remains unclear for the moment. "We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment," she said. "My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery."

She closed her statement with a heartfelt dedication to the millions of others who share her diagnosis or have been impacted by cancer in their lifetimes. "I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer," Kate said. "For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone."